Funeral services for Dan Wheldon announced

Funeral services for IndyCar driver Dan Wheldon will be Saturday, 10 a.m., at First Presbyterian Church of St. Petersburg (Fla.).

Wheldon, 33, was killed in a 15-car crash on lap 11 during Sunday's IndyCar series finale at Las Vegas Speedway.

His wife, Susie, released the following statement and invited members of community to attend the service:

"Although the last few days have been unbearable for our family, the overwhelming love and support we have received are rays of sunshine during these dark days. The outpouring of sympathy and condolences has been so comforting, and I want to thank everyone for their kind notes, letters, gifts and flowers.

"Dan touched the lives of many people, and I would like to invite those citizens in our community who knew and loved my husband to attend his funeral service at the First Presbyterian Church of St. Petersburg ...

"Though we won't be able to fit everyone inside, I know that Dan would have wanted the community to share in the celebration of his life and to grieve his passing. Thank you again. I am forever grateful for your kindness."

The Dan Wheldon Family Trust Fund has been established for the financial security of Wheldon's family. He and Susie had two young sons. The public can make contributions to the Dan Wheldon Family Trust Fund at the following address:

All of Fifth Third Bank's Indianapolis branches also are accepting contributions in person. In lieu of flowers, friends and fans also can choose to make a donation to the Dan Wheldon Family Trust Fund or the Alzheimer's Association, a cause close to his heart. For more details, visit http://www.alz.org or http://www.danwheldonmemorial.com, a memorial site.

Those wishing to send their sympathy and condolences to the Wheldon family, can address letters to:

The Wheldons 9600 Koger Blvd N, Suite 105 St Petersburg, FL 33702

IndyCar will hold a public memorial service at 4 p.m. Sunday at Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Doors will be open to the public at 2:30 p.m.